Patriots.com News Blitz - 2/22/2013

Friday, February 22, 2013 7:02 AM EST

By Mike Hacku

Staff Writer

Karen Guregian of The Boston Herald reports that impending Patriots free agent Sebastian Vollmer recently underwent minor knee surgery, according to a league source. The 28-year-old right tackle played through knee and back problems last season, but only missed one game. "The Patriots have the option of using the franchise tag on the 6-foot-8, 320-pound lineman, but that’s highly doubtful at this point," writes Guregian. "With his health issues, and the prohibitive cost ($9.6 million), it doesn’t make a lot of sense."

Greg A. Bedard of The Boston Globe adds that Sebastian Vollmer's right knee scope on Wednesday is being called "routine post-season maintenance" and is not considered to affect negotiations with the Patriots or any other team should he become a free agent. "The Patriots could use the franchise tag to retain Vollmer, but that is considered unlikely -- though not out totally of the question -- according to two league sources," writes Bedard.

Adam Schefter of ESPN writes that the NFL is proposing an overhaul of its offseason calendar. According to sources, the changes would move the combine to early March, the start of free agency to early April, and the draft to early May. The proposal would also have all NFL teams kicking off training camp on the same day -- marking an official launch to the football season. "The idea is to lengthen the NFL offseason and make sure football is relevant during a longer offseason period with one big event in each month," writes Schefter. The plan must be approved by the NFLPA, and Schefter notes that the league is already pushing it aggressively.

Jeff Howe of The Boston Herald reports that the Patriots are meeting with Kyle Arrington's representatives at the NFL Combine to discuss a new contract, according to sources. "Arrington is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent March 12, so this is a sign the Patriots don't want to let him hit the open market," adds Howe. The 26-year-old cornerback started 12 games for the Patriots last season and recorded 74 tackles and a forced fumble.